Afghan Taekwondo hero Rohullah Nekpa has won bronze in the men's under-68-kilogram category.

The 25-year-old Nekpa defeated Britain's Martin Stamper 5-3. He achieved the victory by consistently hitting his opponent's head with his feet.

Nekpa is the first athlete from Afghanistan to win an Olympic medal in London.

In 2008, he became a national hero in Afghanistan by winning bronze at Beijing -- the first Olympic medal ever for an Afghan athlete.

After his win, Nekpa told RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan that he was proud of his achievement for his country:

"I am glad that I will return home with full hands," he said. "I congratulate my entire nation."

Nekpa told international media that he had hoped for the gold, but was happy to get the bronze, which is very significant for his country.

He thanked Afghan spectators for supporting him at a packed Excel arena.

Nekpa lost his quarter finals match to Iran's Mohammad Bagheri Motamed, who won silver on August 9. Turkey's Servet Tazegul won the gold while Terrence Jennings from the United States also won bronze in the category.